Late last week the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved the FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The language defunding the required USDA inspections of horse slaughter facilities was not included for the first time since 2005, despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. This first step, if successful, may allow foreign investors the opportunity to reestablish horse slaughter in the US.
WASHINGTON (May 30, 2011) – Congressman Raul Grijalva, D-AZ, submitted a Resolution in the U. S. House of Representatives recognizing the birthday of the Pryor Mountain wild stallion, Cloud—for his role in enhancing the appreciation of all wild horses and burros in the American West.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug, Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Committee has released its proposed appropriations budget for FY 2012.
The proposed bill does not include a provision de-funding inspections for horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. The proposed bill does not prohibit use of funds to inspect horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. The subcommittee report does not mention it.
It is the de-funding of these ante-mortem inspections in appropriations measures that has prohibited commercial horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S. since 2007. Now, if the subcommittee bill passes, it could mean the return of commercial horse slaughter to the U.S.
On behalf of all self-actualized and compassionate human beings I would like to extend to you a most heartfelt congratulations, this day, on the advent of your sixteenth year of accompanying us on this voyage across time and space upon the spaceship we call Earth.
Sixteen years ago a wonderful cinematographer and her friend witnessed you entering this world. At that time you probably had no idea of the mantle of responsibility and notoriety that you would bear upon your withers and soul. As a young palomino, born wild amongst some of the most wondrous grandeur known on earth, you didn’t have a clue as to your destiny or the part you would play in the trivial game of human ego, greed and cruelty. And if I had my way, you still would not know.
Concerned about the threat of a catastrophic outbreak of a herpes virus among wild horse herds in the West, national animal advocates on Thursday called on the federal government to keep potentially infected domestic horses away from mustangs and burros on public lands.
Ya gotta love it; you might not agree with why Louisiana Senator David Vitter is blocking former rancher, now Director of the Interior, Ken Salazar’s pay hike but you have to admire him for taking a stand and putting it all out on the table. The good Senator’s privates must clank when he walks because he sure is proving to be made of solid steel as he stands up against this current inept and do nothing administration. Vitter’s reason for denying the government’s Chief Wild Horse Hater from an increase in his salary can be summed up in one simple and to the point quote, “completely unsatisfactory” performance.
As an outraged citizen I am writing you to beg for the mercy of week and
month old babies that will be the victims of the planned Round-ups starting
in July.
The BLM handbook states that round-ups should NOT be conducted during
foaling season. In July there are still mares that are heavily pregnant and
babies that are only weeks old. Even babies that are one or two months old
cannot withstand the miles and miles of running over treacherous terrain.
July is in the middle of foaling season.
You have got it right; the BLM wants to decimate the White Mountain and Little Colorado herds in Wyoming leaving only 274 horses on 1 million acres while allowing 6,000 cattle or 30,000 privately owned sheep to graze on your public lands, does that seem right, hell no!!
HOUSTON, (Horseback) – After spending most of the last two years under attack for its wild horse “gathers” in the west, the federal Bureau of Land Management will soon resume the capture and possible extinction of the North American Mustang. The confirmation came early Monday from BLM Chief Washington Spokesman Tom Gorey.
We can celebrate. Unexpected and confusing news here, but certainly welcome. The Senate Committee covered their tails politically from all directions with their decision, but the result was good. Senator Manendo wrote a letter of his own and had it read into the record. The basics of his letter stated that he is concerned about unintended consequences, conflicting testimonies and confusion. He suggested sending this on to the Public Lands Counsel or other appropriate interim committee. Sen. Rhodes spoke up saying that it belongs in Public Land Counsel. Manendo directed the Legal Counsel Bureau to investigate fully. He also directed the PLC to work with all sides – work together and come to an agreement. If that doesn’t work, they can bring it up again in the 2013 legislative session. The Committee voted to accept Manendo’s recommendation.
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